A 13-year-old boy has died after a tragic collision with a semi truck while riding his bicycle in Manhattan, Illinois. The accident occurred around 5:35 p.m. on Monday, as confirmed by the Village of Manhattan Police Department. According to ABC7 Chicago, the young victim, an eighth grader, was found unresponsive beneath the semi-trailer at the intersection of State and East North.
Emergency services, including the Will County Sheriff’s Police and the Coroner’s Office, swiftly attended the scene of the accident. The local community has been left reeling by the incident, which came shortly after another student from the same school district passed away due to a medical emergency, NBC Chicago reports. After the crash, Manhattan District 114 cancelled all after-school activities scheduled for Tuesday.
Addressing the distressing event, Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen expressed his condolences in a statement, saying, "As a parent, neighbor, and Mayor of this Village, I share in your grief, your anger, and your urgent desire for change," as quoted by NBC Chicago. Adrieansen acknowledged the previous community concerns regarding semi-truck traffic near schools and other areas frequented by children.
In the wake of the accident, the village has advocated for improved safety measures. These measures include implementing a truck enforcement program and advocating for a traffic study, as well as planning additional crosswalks and intersection improvements at key locations. "Our children deserve safe streets, protected crossings, and a town where they can move freely without fear," Mayor Adrieansen stated, highlighting the steps the village is taking to enhance safety for residents.
The investigation by the Illinois State Police is ongoing, and the findings will be made public upon its conclusion. Meanwhile, the local police department has requested the public to offer their thoughts and prayers for the bereaved family and the larger Manhattan community during these "extremely difficult times."
